Six months ago, I graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Graphic Media Management and started my first full-time role at Pageworks. From the outside, it probably looked like a smooth transition. I had internships, leadership experience, industry involvement, and connections through organizations like Girls Who Print.
But what nobody really prepares you for is how overwhelming the transition from college to full-time work can actually feel.
College gives you structure. There are classes, semesters, deadlines, and a pretty clear definition of success. Even during stressful times, there’s usually a roadmap. Then graduation happens, and suddenly everything changes all at once. Your schedule becomes less predictable, your responsibilities become more real, and for the first time, people expect you to operate like a professional every single day.
That adjustment is difficult for almost everyone, but entering a traditionally male-dominated industry as a young woman can add another layer to it.
There were moments during my first few months where I walked into meetings or networking events and realized I was one of the youngest people in the room and often one of the only women. What’s important, though, is that this feeling never came from the people around me. My experience at Pageworks has been incredibly supportive, and I’ve never been made to feel out of place by my team or by the industry professionals I’ve met.
The feeling was internal.
I think when you’re young and early in your career, especially entering an established industry, there’s a tendency to question yourself constantly. You wonder if you sound experienced enough, if you’re asking the right questions, or if you’ve really earned your place in the room yet. There’s also an unspoken pressure many young women feel entering the workforce. You want to prove that you belong there while still learning. You want to sound confident even when you feel unsure. You want people to take you seriously while you’re still figuring things out yourself.
Even in supportive environments, imposter syndrome can still show up quietly in your own mind.
Starting at Pageworks pushed me out of my comfort zone quickly. I went from being a student to having real conversations with clients, managing outreach, attending industry events, and learning the business development side of print and communications. At first, every conversation felt high stakes because I cared so much about doing well.
Over time, though, I’ve realized that confidence is not something you arrive with after graduation or after getting a job title. It’s something you build slowly through repetition, uncomfortable conversations, mistakes, and continuing to show up anyway.
I’ve also realized how important representation and mentorship are in this industry.
Organizations like Girls Who Print matter because they create visibility for women building careers in print, graphics, mailing, packaging, and communications. When you’re new to the industry, seeing other women leading teams, speaking at events, running companies, and mentoring others makes a huge difference. It reminds you that there is space for you here too.
Over the last six months, I’ve learned how much growth comes from simply staying consistent. Some days feel productive and exciting. Other days feel discouraging and overwhelming. Most of the time, growth happens somewhere in between those moments.
Outside of work, this transition has taught me a lot personally too. I’ve learned how to become more comfortable with discomfort. I’ve learned that nobody has everything figured out as much as it may seem online. Most importantly, I’ve learned that being young in your career is not a weakness. It’s actually an opportunity to stay curious, adaptable, and open to learning.
I’m still early in my career, and there’s still a lot I want to learn. But looking back now, I can already see how much these first six months have changed me both professionally and personally.
If there’s one thing I would say to other young women entering this industry, it’s this: it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first. Growth after college is messy. Starting a career is uncomfortable. Walking into rooms where you feel inexperienced can be intimidating.
But that does not mean you don’t belong there.
Sometimes confidence comes after you take the seat at the table, not before.
Mackenzie Griffin is the Business Development Lead at Pageworks in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she helps clients leverage smart print to drive real business results. A recent Ferris State University graduate in Graphic Media Management, she is also the co-founder and co-host of the industry podcast Talk More Print, amplifying print’s voices and fresh perspectives. Mackenzie is passionate about mentorship, creativity, and creating balance,  and helping the next generation of women in print to achieve their full potential.
